ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top institutions in science and engineering, is currently accepting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026–27. This prestigious and fully funded opportunity is tailored for exceptional early-career researchers from around the globe who wish to carry out advanced, independent research under the guidance of ETH Zurich faculty members.
The fellowship is designed not only to support academic excellence but also to foster collaboration between researchers and ETH Zurich’s globally renowned labs and institutes. The program promotes innovation and knowledge transfer by supporting scholars who bring fresh perspectives and novel research ideas to the university.
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Institution: ETH Zurich
- Program Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International candidates only
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026
Fellowship Benefits
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a generous support package that covers the full cost of research and living expenses. Key benefits include:
- Competitive monthly salary aligned with ETH Zurich’s pay scale
- Research-related expenses, including travel to conferences or fieldwork
- Full access to ETH Zurich facilities, libraries, labs, and interdisciplinary research centers
- Health insurance and social security contributions
- Support for integration into ETH’s academic community and networking opportunities
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the program attracts the most promising international researchers, ETH Zurich has outlined the following eligibility criteria for applicants:
- Doctoral Degree Requirement
- Applicants must have earned a PhD (or equivalent) from an institution outside ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
- Candidates who are near completion may apply, provided they submit a written statement from their supervisor or department chair confirming the expected date of defense.
- Mobility Rule
- In the three years prior to the application deadline, applicants must not have resided, studied, or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months.
- Additionally, in this same period, they must not have been primarily employed at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich for more than six months.
- Publication Requirement
- Applicants must have at least one peer-reviewed academic publication to their name at the time of application.
- Supervisory Commitment
- A faculty member at ETH Zurich must formally agree to supervise the applicant’s research project.
This fellowship encourages applications from a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, architecture, and interdisciplinary research areas.
Also Check: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your PhD Thesis Introduction
Documents Required:
- Reference Letter
- Certificate of Defense
- Motivation letter
- Host Professor’s CV
- A copy of the passport
- Research Project Explanation
Application Process for ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship?
To apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–27, follow these steps:
- Identify a Host Professor
- Prospective applicants must contact a faculty member at ETH Zurich who is willing to supervise and host their postdoctoral project. Early communication is advised.
- Develop a Research Proposal
- Prepare a clear and compelling research plan outlining objectives, methodology, relevance, and expected outcomes. Include a timeline and resources needed.
- Gather Required Documents
Typical documents include:- Curriculum Vitae
- Doctoral certificate (or official letter confirming pending defense)
- Statement of interest from the ETH host professor
- Peer-reviewed publication(s)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages)
- Submit Application Online
- Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich electronic submission portal. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
